Shaun Livingston has had one of his best seasons as a pro with Brooklyn this year, providing stability and athleticism at the guard position while starting in 43 of his 65 appearances.

Livingston will be a free agent this summer, and all signs point to him cashing in if he gets the chance. He’s been on essentially minimum salary deals since suffering the horrific knee injury early in his career, and making the most money possible in what may be his final chance to do so on a long-term deal would obviously make the most sense.

Nets GM Billy King spoke with reporters before Friday’s win over the Celtics, and said he has every intention of re-signing Livingston, but admitted that the finances might be a challenge.

Brooklyn will likely have a mid-level exception to give to Livingston, which will be in the neighborhood of just over $3 million per year. But if he can get more elsewhere, or if he can gain the security of more years on his next contract, Livingston will likely (and wisely) sign for the most money possible.

I remember when the Clippers signed him with very high hopes. I also remember that game against the Bobcats and that horrific knee injury. I’m very happy he has fully recovered and wish the best for Shaun as it seems he’s one of the good guys.

I feel like every once every year-n-a-half or two I wonder to myself if he’s gotten himself more playing time or a healthier knee. Quite a lost career that one is, had the talent & the brain but he barely even needed them with his measureables. Too bad, this is one of the very few cases where I hope the guy takes the money [within reason] b/c hes lost dozens of millions and half a career, pardon the pun, but he could use a few good breaks to finish out his career over the next handful of seasons.